If there is a milestone to be celebrated and have a budget to spare, this is the place to go for dinner. Gentlemen don jackets and ties here, and the ladies have a place to show off their most beautiful jewelry in this cultured and sophisticated establishment, formally only open to private club members. Les Nomades is an oasis of sophisticated charm, with its inviting fireplaces, and it is located within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the perfect place for a winter dining experience.
If your French is a little on the rusty side and your table etiquette is a bit lacking, all this opulence may seem a bit jarring to complete novices. Don't fret, as the wait staff are very helpful and courteous to all their guests. Reservations should ideally be set at least two weeks ahead of time for after seven. Ask to be seated upstairs, where it is much more quiet and relaxed. Go with the five course prixe fixe, being mindful the portions are smaller than what many Chicagoans are used to but nonetheless satisfying. Les Nomades has a wonderful wine selection, with half bottles being ideal for a couple.
Each menu selection Chef Nugent prepares displays his passion for food, from the appetizers to the desserts. Recommendations include the scallop risotto and the venison, though the rack of lamb comes in at a close second. If there are any complaints to be had, it is in the bread baskets, as those are rather paltry in comparison, though adequate.
Besides the menu, it is the ambiance itself as well as Les Nomades's location that patrons enjoy time and again. Its quiet, classic style and elegance is a haven for those wishing to feel transported out of the hustle and bustle of the city, yet its close proximity to the best shops and hotels make it ideal for those wanting to complete their evening about town. Early arrivals can even opt for the two or three courses, allowing guests to complete their dining experience among all of what the Mag Mile has to offer.
In short, Les Nomades is simply superb for people who want to feel special while celebrating a special occasion.
Got a taste for something a little different? Then fly on down to the Pegasus! From the front windows that completely open up, to the veranda rooftop deck and the wealth of delicious Greek cuisine, this contemporary dining establishment embedded in the heart of Greektown puts all of its counterparts to shame and makes all of Chicagoland shout "Oopa!" at the top of their lungs!
If kicking off the evening to a fun and festive start is on the menu, be sure to order up an appetizer of Saganaki, the flaming cheese, with drinks and mull over the menu while savoring it's ooey gooey goodness. In fact, since most folks can not just pick one favorite off the menu, so bypass it altogether and go family style - the Greek way! Have the spirited and helpful wait staff assist in picking out several items so both of you can get a taste of some of the best the Pegasus has to offer. Of course, if you had your heart set on getting some of that lamb or fresh seafood Greece is known for, be sure to order either the Paidakia (Lamb chops) or the Sinagrida (broiled Red Snapper). Either way you decide to go, just remember to order up some of the best Baklava in the city for dessert!
If the food and beautiful ambiance are not enough enticements to lure people to arrive in droves, then the wine list will surely do it. The Pegasus has taken a great deal of time in choosing its Greek wine selection, none of which will max out the card. A decent mid-grade, red recommendation is the Boutari Naossa, while the Boutari Kretikos is its white equal. Of course, those wishing to stick to what they know best will find familiar listings from California and abroad.
So, make a fun, romantic and truly memorable night of contemporary culture at the Pegasus! With so many reasons to go, it is little wonder this establishment makes its neighbors jealous.
If your date happens to be the antiquing type who simply adores authentic turn of the century, functional light fixtures, statuaries, moldings, beveled glass and paintings and also happens to love a good Chicago pizza, then Gulliver's on the far north side is a must!
Hearts flutter and jaws lie agape simply walking in the door, as the ambiance is absolutely breathtaking, many layers thick in stunning beauty. The owner boasts as having the largest such collection in the country, making the wait for a nice, thick pizza seem to fly right on by. The wooden bench tables adds to the flair, the delicate lighting is set just right and the HUGE outdoor garden makes for a beautiful, romantic evening.
Fresh, inventive and exhaustive toppings abound like artichoke hearts and eggplant are complimented with a perfect sauce, thick with tomatoes. The crust is thick, hearty and yes, crusty, and in true Chicago fashion, they don’t hold back on the cheese!
For those looking for something different, Gulliver’s offers a huge selection of authentic Italian entrees even staunch foodie critics rave about, and their steaks are cooked to perfection, with Mexican and even Chinese fare thrown in for a surprise bonus. Even their appetizers think big in terms of variety, like their avocado egg rolls. No stone has been left unturned, be it in its museum-quality decor, the expansive menu or in the pride and love put into the food.
So, while Chicagoans have a plethora of pizza places to choose from, all boasting to be the best, it’s Gulliver’s overall experience that makes it the best place for food and dining.
Why on Earth am I listing a hot dog stand as a place to take your date on a romantic encounter? Because quite simply, Superdawg is a one of a kind, nostalgic experience that will make your date swoon! From the car hops, to the Tarzan- and Jane-themed Maurie and Flaurie hot dog characters winking from above, to the diamond-patterned walls and right down to the "Hiya!" messages on the boxes, this is a place that creates memories for young and old alike. Both my mom and I cut our teeth at this place among millions of others, and is also one of the places I always hope to go to at least once year.
Superdawg’s kitschy menu features items like the Whoopskidawg (a Polish sausage sandwich) and the Whoopercheesie (a double cheeseburger) and also touts their Supershakes as so thick that they provide their customers with a straw, just to prove it can’t be used. Of course, what brings people back time and again is the world famous Superdawg, which has all the Chicago-standard condiments, including a bright green relish (or piccalilli as they say) and tangy, pickled green tomato wedges. I admit, I love those tomatoes so much, I tend to steal them off everyone else’s orders! All their sandwiches (sammiches in Chicago tongue) come with some of the best crinkle-cut French fries in town and are packaged in cute boxes, featuring Maurie napping on a fold-out recliner, thanking customers from the bottom of his pure beef heart for stopping by.
Some of the nicest car hops ever to exist bring out the cash-only orders and rest them on open window ledges, so dining at this location requires the weather to play along. Orders can also be taken at their small, indoor dining area or placed at the indoor pickup window, perhaps to be enjoyed at the forest preserve across the street. Catering is also available, which can rest assured make a unique impression on visiting family, clients and perhaps even those potential wedding guests. Vegetarians would find relatively few items acceptable on their menu, though even many vegans I know simply fall in love with the overall décor, as well as those fries and tomatoes!
If there is a milestone to be celebrated and have a budget to spare, this is the place to go for dinner. Gentlemen don jackets and ties here, and the ladies have a place to show off their most beautiful jewelry in this cultured and sophisticated establishment, formally only open to private club members. Les Nomades is an oasis of sophisticated charm, with its inviting fireplaces, and it is located within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the perfect place for a winter dining experience.
